Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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548. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated cost of implementing the remaining measures in the Greater Dublin Area Cycle Network Plan. [23398/18]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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The National Transport Authority's (NTA) "Transport Strategy for the GDA 2016-2035" includes the Greater Dublin Area Cycle Network Plan, an ambitious plan for the development of a safe and high quality cycling network. As the Deputy may be aware, Budget 2018 announced the allocation of funding over a four year period to progress a number of key projects which are included in the NTA's strategy and the Cycle Network Plan. These commitments were also announced as part of Government's Project Ireland 2040.

Over €110 million in capital funding is directly allocated to develop cycling and walking infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, Galway, Limerick, Cork and Waterford over the period 2018-2021. This programme will provide active travel routes to help alleviate congestion by providing viable alternatives and connectivity with existing public transport infrastructure. Allocation of funding and details of individual projects are managed by the National Transport Authority in conjunction with the relevant local authorities.

A further €135 million capital funding is allocated over this same period for investment in Sustainable Urban Transport projects, and these will include projects that will provide either direct or indirect improvements for urban cycling. This programme builds on investment to date to deliver improvements in public and sustainable transport infrastructure in the regional cities and the GDA. It includes traffic management, bus priority and other smarter travel projects, which will allow transport infrastructure to function more effectively and will help relieve traffic congestion. Allocation of funding and details of individual projects are also managed by the National Transport Authority in conjunction with the relevant local authorities.

In addition to these cycling-specific investments, the BusConnects programme, a plan to fundamentally transform Dublin's bus system, is calculated to either build or improve over 200 km of cycle tracks/lanes, alongside bus routes on the key radial routes into the city centre. This means providing safe cycling arrangements, largely segregated from other traffic along those corridors. This initiative is the foundation of the overall cycle network that has been planned for the Greater Dublin Area.

All these substantial investments will allow us to further increase the numbers cycling, thereby easing congestion, improving public health and enhancing the liveability of our cities.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred your question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. I would ask the Deputy to advise my private office if she does not receive a reply within ten working days.